In February, the Saeima decided to ban the import of Russian and Belarusian agricultural and animal feed products into Latvia. The ban was intended only for products consumed in Latvia, as Latvia does not have the right to stop transit. Latvian Television's De Facto, aired April 8, found out that some loopholes were deliberately left in the national sanctions.
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While politicians are still talking about possible sanctions on manganese ore, Russia's own decision to nationalize the largest recipient of the ore - the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant - has had a tangible effect on the movement of these cargoes through Latvia. Latvian companies now have problems handling cargo related to this plant due to the sanctions imposed against Russia, concludes Latvian Television's "De facto" aired March 24.
In connection with the public information about possible contacts of the leader of the Latvian Russian Union and current MEP Tatjana Ždanoka with Russian special services, both Ždanoka herself and the party co-chairman Miroslavs Mitrofanovs went to a conversation with the State Security Service (VDD) last week, reported Latvian Television's De Facto on February 12.
Official statements from the European Public Prosecutor's Office and the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) have indicated officials from Valmiera municipality may have abused the service position in order to unlawfully obtain more than EUR 4 million from the European Regional Development Fund, Latvian Television's De Facto broadcast reported on Sunday, September 24.
The Turkish association of companies which offered to build the Rail Baltica track route for a cheaper price than its competitors in a tender, has been excluded from the procurement on the recommendation of the State Security Service (VDD), Latvian Television's De Facto broadcast of September 17 reported.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the Telegram communication app group “Baltic antifascists” was created. An investigation into participation in a criminal organization has been launched against at least five persons associated with the group. Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto, aired June 18, took a closer look at the group.
Last week, court proceedings started for Andris Strautmanis, former official of the Soviet-time Committee for State Security (KGB) and Latvian Security Police. He was detained two years ago in the espionage case of politician Jānis Ādamsons, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on May 22.
The 220-million worth procurement for food supply for the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS), which is under suspicion of unfair practices, has not undergone the safety checks needed, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on March 27.
At the beginning of last week, European Union member states extended sanctions against more than 1,500 individuals and organizations responsible for undermining Ukraine's independence.
One of the reasons why Latvia announced the withdrawal of Ambassador Māris Riekstiņš from Moscow last week was the end of his term of office a few months later. Latvia was not ready to send a new ambassador to Russia while Russia's war in Ukraine continues, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on January 29.
An auction was held last autumn, the results of which are not public, but the De Facto broadcast of Latvian Television has found that a helicopter belonging to Russian businessmen with Latvian citizenship Pyotr Aven and Yuri Shefler was sold off asa result of taxes owed. The current location of the aircraft cannot be determined, De Facto reported on January 22.
There has been no visible progress in negotiations between the Latvian Ministry of Finance with colleagues from the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the withdrawal of some statements which were presented in the 2018 sanctions decision taken by the U.S. against ABLV bank, LTV's De Facto reports.
Entrepreneurs have found ways to circumvent the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. Most of the reports received by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia (FID) involve moving goods across the border. Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on August 29 that entrepreneurs both cheat on commodity codes and indicate intermediary countries in transactions.
This summer, changes to the law took effect, depriving Russian and Belarusian companies of voting rights in Latvian companies. This prohibition also applies to “Latvijas Gāze” (LG), the subsidiary of which is responsible for the distribution of gas in Latvia. According to Latvian Television's investigative broadcast De Facto, the Russian company Gazprom has nevertheless participated in recent meetings of LG shareholders.
In anticipation of the next heating season, households have the least worry about gas supply. They will have enough of what is already in Latvia, albeit at a much higher price than in the previous heating season. But will there be enough gas for all other consumers, like enterprises? Latvian Television's De Facto, aired on June 19, aimed to probe the issue.
The issue of the Victory monument where the controversial May 9 celebration takes place each year has been discussed for years in the society and among politicians. Now, with the war in Ukraine, the supporters of the dismantling of the monument are urging less talk and more action, Latvian Television's broadcast De Facto reported on April 10.